Program Overview
The Sign Language Interpreting at Heriot-Watt University is a MSc programme in Humanities over 30 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Sign Language Interpreting programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 30 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6.5
- Tuition: GBP 13,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Sign Language Interpreting programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Similarity and diversity in European sign languages
- Introducing International Sign
- Translating between English and International Sign
- Interpreting between English and International Sign
- Thesis
- Similarity and diversity in European Deaf communities
- Interpreting and Translation Studies
- Developing the profession
- Research methods: Sign language interpreting and translation as profession & performance
- Personal development and academic skills
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Entry requirements
- First academic degree: preferably but not necessarily in sign language interpreting or related subjects.
- Minimum of three year\'s work experience as a practising professional sign language interpreter by the time of admission to the programme.
- English language equivalent to level 6.5 of the International English Language Testing System, IELTS, corresponding to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Languages.
English language requirements
- Appropriate English language to fully participate in the programme (equivalent to level 6.5 of the International English Language Testing System, IELTS, corresponding to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Languages)
English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 13,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 13,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6.5
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Heriot-Watt University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University
City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Heriot-Watt University is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland, known for its strong focus on science, engineering, business, and technology.It was founded in 1821 (originally...
University Profile- Start Date Sep, 2026
- Language English
- Duration 30 months
